Trust Specialist Hospital, AstraZeneca push asthma breakthrough with symbicort access

This year's global theme is important for Ghana. Access to inhalers remains a challenge. The World Health Organization reports over 455,000 asthma deaths annually. Most of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, including Ghana.

Dr. Juliana Oye Ameh is the CEO of Trust Specialists Hospital. She spoke at an event about asthma treatment breakthroughs. The shift from salbutamol to symbicort is significant for patients. Symbicort offers better management and improved outcomes nationwide.

Dr. Ameh highlighted the importance of symbicort, which combines formoterol and budesonide. In the past, salbutamol was emphasized more in treatment plans. However, education shows that symbicort is becoming more prominent.

She noted that stigma and myths are major challenges in asthma care. Proper public education can improve treatment outcomes significantly. Patients can lead normal lives with effective management.

Dr. Ameh stressed the need for public health personnel to educate communities about asthma. Many people view asthma as a death sentence, but it can be managed well. When managed properly, survival rates improve significantly.

Her organization operates specialized asthma clinics in Adenta, Dome, and Dansoman. These clinics provide tailored care and comprehensive education for asthma patients.

Dr. Ameh believes collective efforts are essential to eliminate stigma around asthma. She called for policy changes to ensure consistent supply and fair pricing of inhalers.

She stated that prioritizing asthma care within non-communicable disease strategies is crucial. Clean air initiatives should also be advocated for better health outcomes.

A medical representative from AstraZeneca, Dorothy Leticia Arthur, spoke about their commitment to respiratory health in Ghana. AstraZeneca has been a pioneer in improving access to asthma treatments.

Ms. Arthur mentioned training sessions for healthcare providers on managing asthma effectively. Their goal is zero mortality among asthma patients through better access to medications.

One key project was the PUMUA project, which placed symbicort on health insurance plans. This allows patients in remote areas access to necessary treatments under national health insurance.

AstraZeneca has also supported hospitals like Trust Specialists Hospital with nebulization stations to help reduce emergency cases of asthma exacerbations.